It was on March 20 last year that the couple suddenly disappeared from a campsite in the Australian state of Victoria.
On Tuesday, the police arrested a 55-year-old man from Melbourne in connection with the case, reports BBC.
MISSED: Russell Hill and Caroly Clay. Photo: Police
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The police state that the man has been questioned, but that he is not charged in the case.
– The investigation of the case is still ongoing, and further information will be provided when it is operationally appropriate to do so, the police say to the Australian news channel ABC News.
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Burnt clay
According to the BBC, investigators believe that the retired couple disappeared shortly after they talked to a mutual friend over radio.
The couple had just set up camp in the Wonnagatta Valley in the Alpine National Park, located 200 kilometers northeast of Melbourne, when they suddenly sank into the ground.
RULE TERRAIN: Alpine National Park consists of, among other things, eleven mountains and deep gorges. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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The day after the camp was set up, random passers-by discovered a burnt-out tent that was to turn out to be the retired couple.
According to the Australian news website, the police found the burnt-out tent 7News broken camping chairs, a molten battery and a bucket that Hill is said to have used in connection with a gas container.
Russell Hill’s car, which was parked next to the tent, also showed signs of burning.
Received a shock diagnosis after a holiday trip
Wanted car owner
Police have repeatedly searched for the couple in the rugged terrain of the national park, but without success.
Police recently released a photo of a four-wheel drive vehicle filmed by surveillance cameras near the camp.
Investigator Andrew Stamper told 7News that they wanted to talk to the driver of the car, and addressed this person directly:
– Regardless of whether you have – or do not have – something to worry about, you have to make yourself known, he said, and emphasized that it was only a matter of time before the police found the person.
WANTED: The owner of this car was wanted by the police in Victoria. Photo: Police
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– Everything is uncertain
Russell Hill’s daughter Debbie says according to the BBC that it is cruel not to know where he has gone.
– It is incredibly difficult. It does not get better not to know. Everything is uncertain – he just disappeared, she says.
Carol Clay’s sister, Jill, says she’s sure the couple is not alive.
– We need to know what happened, and we need to know where the bodies are, so that we can put them to rest, she says.
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